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Category: Telecom

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Telecom & Telco news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • Vietnam launches commercial 5G services

    Vietnam launches commercial 5G services

    Vietnam’s first commercial 5G services were launched in all localities Tuesday morning by military-owned telecom giant Viettel, with subscription starting at VND135,000 (US$5.4) a month.

    The company announced at the launching event that it has installed 6,500 base transceiver stations in all 63 provinces and cities, with speeds of up to 1 gigabyte per second, or 10 times that of current 4G services.

    Vietnam lagged behind the world in launching 2G, 3G and 4G services, but now it has matched other countries in offering commercial 5G, and is among five countries that can produce 5G equipment, said Tao Duc Thang, Viettel chairman and CEO.

    “A new future of mobile services begins today.”

    Viettel offers 11 prepaid plans starting from VND135,000 a month and 8 postpaid plans from VND200,000 for individual customers.

    Users with 5G-enabled devices can subscribe to the service without changing their SIM cards.

    Viettel has also developed 130 different usage scenarios suited to the need of corporates and organizations in all industries, with cloud, artificial intelligence, and internet of things features available.

    Viettel began 5G trials in 2019 on the 4G platform and earlier this year tested services on a standalone 5G network.

    5G, with ultra-low latency, is expected to support services that demand immediate responses, such as self-driving cars, remote surgeries, smart factory controls, and virtual reality classrooms.

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  • Reliance Jio Pushes for Satellite Spectrum Auction

    Reliance Jio Pushes for Satellite Spectrum Auction

    In a letter to Minister Scindia, Reliance Jio highlighted the Supreme Court’s ruling in the 2G case, warning that the TRAI’s omission of questions regarding a level playing field could result in potential legal disputes.

    The letter from Reliance Jio was prompted by the TRAI’s rejection of its request to include questions about the level playing field between terrestrial network providers, which use ground-based towers for mobile services and satellite communication service providers.

    The TRAI previously reported to have initiated a consultation process that aimed to determine the methodology and pricing for assigning spectrum to satellite companies, enabling them to offer calling, messaging, broadband, and other services in India.

    In its letter, Reliance Jio pointed out that several satellite communication companies, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper, Bharti Group-backed OneWeb, Eutelsat, and the SES-Jio joint venture, have shown interest in offering their services in India. This development poses a direct challenge to land-based mobile networks. Consequently, Reliance Jio asserted that a fair and transparent auction system for satellite services is crucial to ensure equitable competition in the market.

    Reliance Jio noted that while the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) acknowledged the necessity for a level playing field in its reference to the TRAI, the consultation paper released by the TRAI seemed to neglect this important concern. Reliance Jio expressed that it believes the TRAI has prematurely closed the discussion without seeking input from stakeholders.

    The telecom operator further stated that the consultation paper did not pose relevant questions regarding the level playing field, preventing stakeholders from expressing their views.

    “Such a consultation exercise could result in recommendations that disregard this vital issue of level playing field. Although we have raised this issue with TRAI and asked that the consultation paper be revised to address the level playing field issues between satellite and terrestrial networks, our request has not been considered favorably,” Reliance Jio said.

    The government, under the Telecommunications Act 2023, has chosen to allocate spectrum for specific satellite services through an administrative process instead of using an auction.

    Reliance Jio emphasized that a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements, market demand and supply, and the economic feasibility of conducting spectrum auctions was not carried out by the DoT or the TRAI prior to the decision to allow administrative allocation for satellite phone services.

    Reliance Jio further stated that, in accordance with the clear legislative intent and the DoT’s acknowledgment of the need for a level playing field between satellite and terrestrial services, the TRAI should conduct a thorough assessment of technological advancements, market demand and supply, as well as the technical and economic feasibility of auctions for satellite services.

    Reliance Jio warned that failing to do so could render the TRAI’s consultation process and subsequent recommendations subject to legal scrutiny. The company highlighted that the Honorable Supreme Court of India, in various judgments, has underscored the importance of a transparent and fair mechanism for spectrum assignment, rejecting the ‘first-come-first-served’ method.

    “Any preferential treatment of satellite-based services, whether under the guise of emerging technologies or global precedents, should be firmly rejected. Spectrum assignment policies must align with established legal mandates, including the Supreme Court’s directive on adopting a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory approach,” Reliance Jio added.

  • UiPath and Indosat Partner to Train Indonesians in Enterprise Automation

    UiPath and Indosat Partner to Train Indonesians in Enterprise Automation

    The goal of this initiative is to prepare Indonesia’s digital talents to support the country’s transformation into a global hub for AI and automation talent. As part of this collaboration, UiPath will enhance Indosat’s IDCamp curriculum by incorporating enterprise automation training. The program will offer courses on enterprise automation, allowing participants to earn UiPath Certified Professional credentials.

    Daniel Dines, the Founder and CEO of UiPath, stated, “As Indonesia aims to become a global economic powerhouse, it is crucial to strengthen workforce resilience and develop digital skills. UiPath is thrilled to partner with Indosat to promote innovation and make learning in enterprise automation more accessible. Together, we are facilitating the sustainable adoption of these technologies and preparing Indonesia’s workforce to excel in the digital economy.”

    Vikram Sinha, the President Director and CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, added, “Indosat’s main goal is to empower Indonesia through advanced technology. Recognizing the potential of UiPath’s technology in driving growth across various sectors in Indonesia, we decided to form this partnership. This collaboration aims to enhance national competitiveness and create opportunities for society to thrive in the digital era. We believe that this initiative will significantly contribute to Indonesia’s future as a global hub for digital talent.”

    UiPath is expanding its collaboration with Indosat to offer two specialized web-based courses on enterprise automation development and citizen development as part of Indosat’s online coding camp IDCamp. These courses—UiPath Automation Explorer and UiPath Citizen Developer—are designed to equip learners with automation skills. Participants in IDCamp will have access to various free resources, including comprehensive courses on enterprise automation technologies, UiPath Academic Alliance software editions, and UiPath Certified Professional certifications to prepare them for success in the digital workforce.

    Learners will also have the opportunity to connect with a global community of automation professionals and users. Since its launch, IDCamp has provided over 273,000 individuals with online coding scholarships. The program incorporates real-world case studies, with high-achieving graduates receiving support for global certifications and career opportunities. The partnership will also expand the UiPath Academic Alliance in Indonesia, involving more than 18 academic institutions and impacting over 8,000 students.

    Indosat will support these institutions through collaborative projects like workshops and hackathons, applying AI and enterprise automation to solve real-world challenges. Addressing the digital skills gap is essential to achieving Indonesia’s goal of becoming the fourth-largest economy by 2045. UiPath will provide more information about the UiPath Automation Explorer and UiPath Citizen Developer courses offered through Indosat IDCamp in two webinars scheduled for October 17, 2024, and November 7, 2024.

  • Telegram adds the ability to verify phone numbers for businesses

    Telegram adds the ability to verify phone numbers for businesses

    Telegram continues to make concessions in order to comply with various rules imposed by regulators. After being pressured to provide customers’ phone numbers and IP addresses to authorities, Telegram announced this week that it will allow businesses to verify the phone numbers of their customers.

    The latest update also introduces the ability to send gifts for Telegram Stars, as well as a brand-new redesigned video chat UI on iOS. In addition, Telegram is adding support for livestreaming with RTMP on Android and an improved reporting interface.

    Going back to the new verification platform launched by Telegram, the company announced that starting this week, any business, app or website can send verification codes via Telegram and pay for them on Fragment.

    According to the messaging app, these verification codes are faster, cheaper, more secure and convenient than SMS or other alternatives. If you’re using Telegram and interact with a business, you might receive a message with a code in a special chat inside the app.

    Besides the verification platform for businesses, Telegram is adding the ability for users to send each other gifts for Telegram Stars. Once you receive a gift, you can immediately display it on the new Gifts tab of your profile. You can even discard the gift and get some of its Stars to spend elsewhere, including on more gifts.

    If you want to send a gift to someone, simply open the user’s profile and tap Send a Gift. You can also add any message or emoji to the gift before sending it. Even though you can choose to hide your name, the recipient will still know who sent it, but no one else will be able to see your name if the gift is displayed on their profile.

    Moving on to the new video chat UI, Telegram confirmed it has redesigned video chats on iOS to increase performance and improve battery life. According to Telegram, longer calls will not overheat your iPhone anymore, even with multiple video feeds from dozens of participants.

    Last but not least, Telegram now features an improved reporting interface. For example, the reporting menu has been expanded with more detailed options for each category. Also, the list of reporting reasons is being dynamically updated from the server, which means that it will allow Telegram to suggest the most relevant reporting reasons in real-time.
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  • NTT Com’s Osaka 7 Data Center Earns NVIDIA DGX-Ready Certification

    NTT Com’s Osaka 7 Data Center Earns NVIDIA DGX-Ready Certification

    This certification validates the data center as a secure location for enterprises to run AI and other demanding applications using NVIDIA-accelerated computing infrastructure. The certification was awarded to the Osaka 7 Data Center (OS7) in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture.

    The NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center program certifies data centers’ ability to host high-density accelerated computing systems like the NVIDIA DGX platform and accommodate supercomputer clusters like NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD, considering storage and cooling facilities.

    NTT Com has also joined the NVIDIA Partner Network as a data center provider. Within the OS7 data center, NTT Com offers high-quality network services, exceptional connectivity with Internet Exchange (IX) points, and optimal network environments. The facility can accommodate the high-density racks needed for applications like generative AI (GenAI), making it ideal for operators looking to host cutting-edge and large-scale computing systems.

    OS7 plans to become a Green Nexcenter® colocation data center equipped to support liquid-cooling systems for high-density and accelerated computing systems. NTT Com also offers the “APN Dedicated Line Plan powered by IOWN” service, which connects data centers with ultra-high-speed wide bandwidth, cloud-based NVIDIA GPU services, and other networking and storage facilities.

    OS7, operational since December 2019, features a server room area of approximately 4,600 m2 and has plans to expand its surface area to around 9,500 m2.

    To meet the increasing demand for generative AI and other advanced applications, NTT Com plans to equip more data centers with Green Nexcenter® facilities. The first of these will be offered at the Yokohama 1 Data Center in March 2025, along with OS7 in the Kansai region.

    Additionally, Green Nexcenter® will be standard equipment at the Keihanna Data Center, scheduled to open in March 2026 in Seika-Cho, Kyoto Prefecture. Overall, NTT Com is committed to providing state-of-the-art data center facilities to support the evolving needs of enterprises in the digital age.

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  • Telkomsel Trials Facial Recognition for Prepaid SIM Registration

    Telkomsel Trials Facial Recognition for Prepaid SIM Registration

    This makes Telkomsel the second telecom company in the country to adopt this biometric technology.

    On Friday, Telkomsel announced that it is trialing facial recognition in its customer service portal, GraPARI Online, and the MyGraPARI app.

    The facial scan compares the individual’s features with government identity databases to confirm the customer’s identity. Facial recognition will be used alongside current validation methods like Population Identification Numbers (NIK) and Family Card Numbers (KK).

    Telkomsel’s MyGraPARI has been indirectly using facial recognition by supporting eKTP, the digital version of Indonesia’s ID card that includes biometric data. MyGraPARI also offers fingerprint scanning as an ID verification option.

    Telkomsel’s Sales Director, Adiwinahyu Basuki Sigit, mentioned that facial recognition will simplify and secure the process of registering and replacing prepaid cards, while also enhancing personal data protection.

    He stated, “This biometric technology not only streamlines the registration process but also supports the implementation of Know Your Customer (KYC) standards to ensure the accuracy of customer data and reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft in today’s digital age.”

    Telkomsel’s announcement follows XL Axiata’s launch of a new prepaid SIM card registration process using facial recognition after a successful trial last month.

    These developments signify that facial recognition technology is becoming more prevalent in Indonesia, especially among government agencies and companies. There is a notable focus on immigration checkpoints.

  • Telkomsel Teams Up with Circles to Drive Digital Transformation in Southeast Asia

    Telkomsel Teams Up with Circles to Drive Digital Transformation in Southeast Asia

    By using Circles’ Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform and products, Telkomsel aims to offer advanced digital services and adopt new technologies quickly. These tools will improve the customer experience by providing better digital interactions and creating opportunities for growth and innovation. With Circles’ technology, Telkomsel can stay ahead of market trends, meet customer needs, and explore new possibilities in the digital world.

    Deepak Gulati, Senior Advisor and Chief Revenue Officer of Circles, is excited about partnering with Telkomsel, a major digital telecommunications company in Southeast Asia. This collaboration demonstrates the value of Circles’ SaaS offerings and migration capabilities on a global scale. It also shows the increasing interest from telecommunications companies worldwide in using Circles for digital transformation and innovation.

    Circles is dedicated to providing great value to Telkomsel, building strong references in the industry, and forming global partnerships that drive digital transformation. Derrick Heng, Director of Marketing at Telkomsel, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and meeting customer needs through the latest technologies.

    The partnership with Circles reflects Telkomsel’s dedication to offering cutting-edge solutions in today’s digital world. It aligns with Telkomsel’s vision to empower Indonesians and help individuals, households, and businesses achieve more. With Telkomsel now part of its client base through local partner, Phintraco Consulting, Circles continues to expand its list of major telecommunications partners globally, including KDDI and e&.

  • Viettel to gift 4G phones to 700,000 2G subscribers

    Viettel to gift 4G phones to 700,000 2G subscribers

    State-owned telecom giant Viettel will spend VND300 billion (US$12.2 million) to gift 4G phones to 700,000 of its subscribers who still use 2G devices.

    The military-owned company announced Friday that the program, which aims to support a rapid switch to 4G networks, is meant for customers still using 2G phones who lack access to 4G devices due to their remote location or financial status.

    It plans to gift feature phones but with added cloud phone features that allow the use of some OTT apps.

    The program will run from now until the 2G network is shut down on Oct. 15, with eligible users getting a message instructing them to go to the nearest Viettel store or contact its local employees for support.

    Viettel said it would prioritize subscribers in mountainous regions affected by recent storms, like Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang, Hoa Binh, Bac Kan, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Cao Bang, and Ha Giang provinces.

    The Ministry of Information and Communications and telecom firms have been taking a number of measures to promote the shift from 2G. The number of 2G users declined from 11 million in July to three million now.

    Viettel has the most 2G subscribers of any network operator, but has seen over eight million switch to 4G devices this year.

    It recently installed over 6,000 new base stations nationwide to expand its 4G network coverage to 96% of the population, including four million new users in remote and rural areas.

    Pulling the plug on 2G will promote the adoption of 4G, which can help familiarize people with digital and online public services, and free up resources for network providers to focus on developing 5G and 6G technologies.

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  • Innovations in Green Cloud Computing and Sustainable Solutions

    Innovations in Green Cloud Computing and Sustainable Solutions

    Green cloud computing integrates advanced cloud technologies with sustainable practices to achieve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. A key strategy includes server virtualization, which significantly reduces the number of physical servers needed, thus, lowering energy consumption and utility bills. Additionally, the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, helps to further diminish the carbon footprint associated with cloud services.

    One of the most significant benefits of green cloud computing is its role in promoting sustainable architecture. Data centers designed with minimal environmental impact in mind can operate more efficiently, using less power and generating less waste. This approach also supports remote work, which reduces the carbon emissions linked to commuting. Furthermore, green cloud computing encourages paperless operations, leading to decreased paper use and deforestation, and minimizing electronic waste by reducing the reliance on extensive hardware.

    Transitioning to green cloud computing involves several strategic steps. Organizations should start with a comprehensive assessment of their current IT infrastructure to evaluate their energy consumption and carbon footprint. Setting clear, measurable goals for reducing energy use and increasing the adoption of renewable energy is essential for successful implementation.

    For example, Globe Telecom partnered with Red Hat to modernize its IT infrastructure, leveraging open-source technologies to enhance scalability, agility, and efficiency. This move comes as the Asia-Pacific cloud infrastructure market is set to soar, projected to reach USD 593.7 billion by 2032.

    Selecting cloud service providers committed to sustainability is a crucial practice. Leveraging server virtualization and adopting energy-efficient computing practices can optimize resource usage. Enhancing data center efficiency and continuously monitoring performance are also vital to ensure that environmental goals are met. Engaging stakeholders and educating them about the importance of green cloud computing can drive effective implementation and foster a culture of sustainability.

    Notably, Alibaba Cloud has launched its “Green Data Center” initiative, using renewable energy sources and advanced cooling technology to reduce carbon emissions. Tencent is also focused on building green data centers with AI-driven energy efficiency, particularly through its Tianjin data center, which operates utilizing natural cooling and renewable energy.

    Green computing techniques are diverse and leverage energy-efficient hardware designs, renewable energy sources, and methods like data deduplication and network virtualization. These techniques are integral to enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency. For instance, energy-efficient hardware designs reduce power consumption and extend the lifecycle of equipment, while data deduplication minimizes data redundancy and storage needs.

    For example, Intel’s Sapphire Rapids processors focus on delivering high performance with lower power consumption, incorporating energy-saving features like dynamic power management. Additionally, AMD’s EPYC processors are designed to maximize performance per watt, making them ideal for cloud and enterprise environments, significantly lowering energy costs.

    Innovations in green cloud computing also focus on advanced cooling techniques, which are crucial for maintaining data center efficiency. Strategies such as hot-and-cold aisle containment and liquid cooling systems can significantly reduce the energy required for cooling data centers. Huawei’s FusionServer Pro series optimizes power usage through AI-driven energy management and smart cooling systems, reducing energy consumption in data centers.

    Major cloud providers are making substantial commitments to carbon neutrality. Google aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire operations and value chain by 2030, targeting a 50% reduction in its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions from a 2019 baseline. The company plans to operate its facilities on 24/7 carbon-free energy and invest in both nature-based and technology-based carbon removal solutions. Google’s approach to climate action involves a science-based strategy and ongoing transparency outlining its progress.

    AWS is also dedicated to sustainability and has, thus far, achieved 100% renewable electricity usage seven years ahead of its 2030 goal. The company focuses on maximizing energy efficiency through advanced data center design, cooling innovations, and power management technologies. AWS’s infrastructure is reported to be up to 4.1 times more efficient than traditional data centers, with their Graviton4 and Inferentia2 chips contributing to enhanced performance and energy efficiency.

    Microsoft has set a bold goal to become carbon negative by 2030 and remove all historical emissions by 2050. Their strategy includes reducing emissions, investing in new carbon removal technologies, and supporting global carbon reduction efforts. Microsoft plans to fund carbon removal technologies, help suppliers cut their carbon footprints, and enhance transparency through annual environmental reports. The company also advocates for supportive public policies and engages employees to drive innovation in carbon reduction.

    The future of green cloud computing promises further advancements, with emerging technologies like AI-driven energy management and edge computing. AI can optimize energy use by predicting and adjusting power consumption in real-time, while edge computing reduces the need for data transmission to central servers, thus, lowering energy consumption and latency.

    Green cloud computing represents a shift towards balancing technological innovation with environmental responsibility. Given that data centers are major consumers of global electricity and contributors to carbon emissions, adopting sustainable cloud solutions is essential. The integration of energy-efficient practices, renewable energy sources, and advanced cooling techniques can significantly reduce the environmental impact of cloud services.

    As organizations and individuals increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility, green cloud computing will be at the forefront of efforts

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  • Telekom Malaysia Launches AI-Driven Singing Platform

    Telekom Malaysia Launches AI-Driven Singing Platform

    Launched as part of the “Sejuta Suara, Satu Ritma, Jiwa Merdeka” campaign for Hari Kebangsaan and Hari Malaysia 2024, this groundbreaking platform leverages advanced AI technology to celebrate and highlight the country’s rich linguistic diversity.

    By leveraging AI for automated lip-syncing and voice cloning, TM has created an immersive experience that lets Malaysians sing in their preferred languages or dialects with remarkable realism and ease.

    The platform is driven by a collaboration of seven advanced AI and API systems, all of which are integrated to provide a seamless and intuitive user experience. Powered by Credence, TM’s cloud and digital solutions division, this innovative technology highlights TM’s dedication to advancing digital capabilities and pushing the limits of what technology can achieve.

    Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “This initiative highlights how AI can be harnessed to celebrate and preserve Malaysia’s rich linguistic diversity.  It gives Malaysians a new way to connect with each other and transform the iconic patriotic anthem into a unifying force for the nation. By leveraging advanced AI technology to promote our unique linguistic heritage, we contribute to national integration, digital inclusion, cultural preservation while fostering stronger unity and a digitally savvy society.”

    Amar highlighted TM’s dedication to making advanced technologies accessible to all Malaysians as it works towards its goal of becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030.

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  • Indosat Launches IMSecure to Safeguard Personal Data in a Digitally Connected Indonesia

    Indosat Launches IMSecure to Safeguard Personal Data in a Digitally Connected Indonesia

    Vikram Sinha, President Director and CEO of Indosat, emphasized the importance of personal data security in building customer trust. He stated that while their mission is to connect and empower every Indonesian through digital technology, they are also committed to maintaining high standards in data protection.

    As part of this commitment, Indosat has introduced IMSecure—a data security solution under the IM3 brand—to safeguard customers from digital threats like identity theft and cyberattacks. This technology was developed in collaboration with a global digital security company to ensure top-notch protection standards.

    IMSecure not only protects customers but also supports Indosat’s goal of empowering society through safe digitalization. As more Indonesians go online, the need for personal data protection increases. IMSecure allows customers to benefit from digitalization without compromising their data security.

    Indosat has also launched initiatives to enhance personal data protection in line with PDP regulations. This includes a data privacy awareness program for employees, data type mapping, PDP compliance assessments, and the development of technical policies to manage personal data securely.

    To prevent data breaches, Indosat has implemented advanced data protection systems and tools that comply with PDP regulations and safeguard personal data from security threats, even when using third-party services.

    In addition to these efforts, Indosat is focusing on building trust in the digital ecosystem through initiatives like IMSecure and digital literacy programs. These programs educate the public on recognizing and avoiding digital threats, maintaining online privacy, and emphasizing the importance of personal data protection.

    Sinha concluded by stating that security is crucial for sustainability and trust in the digital ecosystem. Indosat is committed to innovating in personal data protection to ensure that everyone connected through their network can do so safely and confidently.

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  • India Becomes World’s Second-Largest 5G Handset Market in H1 2024

    India Becomes World’s Second-Largest 5G Handset Market in H1 2024

    Senior Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research, Prachir Singh, remarked on the overall market dynamics, noting that 5G handset shipments have been consistently increasing. He highlighted that the rise in availability of budget-friendly 5G handsets has led to significant growth in emerging markets.

    According to Singh, India has become the second-largest 5G handset market, surpassing the US during the first half of the year. “The strong shipments from Xiaomi, vivo, Samsung and other brands in the budget segment were the main reason for this trend. Other emerging markets also witnessed high growth in 5G handsets. Consumers in emerging markets are looking at 5G handsets as an upgrade to their devices, even in the lower price segments,” explained Singh.

    “The Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region was the fastest-growing region, registering 63% YoY growth, driven by high growth in key countries like Mexico and Brazil. The CALA region accounted for 14% of global net adds despite having a 6% 5G shipment share in H1 2024. Asia Pacific accounted for 63% of the overall global net adds and commanded a 58% 5G shipment share. In Europe and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions also, 5G handset shipments witnessed double-digit growth,” he added.

    Apple led global 5G handset shipments, capturing over 25% of the market share, due to strong sales of the iPhone 15 and 14 series. Samsung was the second-largest player with more than 21% of the market, driven by its Galaxy A and S24 series. Both Apple and Samsung secured five positions each in the top-10 list of 5G models for the first half of 2024, with Apple dominating the top four spots.

    Xiaomi ranked third, primarily due to significant growth in India, where it saw triple-digit increases, and double-digit growth in the Middle East, Europe, and China. vivo also experienced notable growth, driven by strong performances in India, China, and other emerging Asian markets. Among the top 10 brands, Motorola achieved the fastest growth, with notable advances in the CALA region, India, MEA, and North America.

    Commenting on the near-term outlook for 5G shipments, Research Director, Tarun Pathak, indicated that, “5G handset contribution to the overall handset market was over 54% in H1 2024, crossing 50% for the first time. As the democratization of 5G handsets increases with increasing 5G penetration in lower price segments as well as increasing expansion of 5G networks, this trend will further grow. The ongoing global premiumization trend will further fuel this growth. According to our market outlook, [the] 5G share will cross 57% in 2024 and 65% in 2025.”

  • SoftBank Corp., Intelsat Forge Partnership to Enhance Connectivity

    SoftBank Corp., Intelsat Forge Partnership to Enhance Connectivity

    SoftBank Corp. and Intelsat have announced a pioneering partnership to develop a unified ubiquitous network designed to provide constant connectivity for users regardless of their location.
    The collaboration will see the two companies working together on research and development (R&D) initiatives to achieve seamless 5G integration between terrestrial mobile networks and satellite communications.

    Under their new partnership, SoftBank and Intelsat aim to create a hybrid communication solution that will keep users connected globally, whether it be via terrestrial or satellite networks or using a single device and account.

    This solution will utilize standard architectures, interfaces, and processes similar to those that currently facilitate device roaming between cellular networks. It is expected to accelerate the commercial deployment of mobility solutions based on the latest 3GPP 5G standards for non-terrestrial networks.

    A primary objective of the SoftBank-Intelsat collaboration is to create a universal device that remains connected in different regions and scenarios.

    For instance, a connected vehicle equipped with this device would automatically switch to satellite communication when out of range of terrestrial networks. This innovative solution is anticipated to have broad commercial applications, including in land transportation, maritime operations, and disaster response and recovery.

    The project will proceed through several phases including design, development, field testing, and commercialization. These efforts will synchronize with the evolution of new 3GPP 5G non-terrestrial network standards. The hybrid solutions developed will support both existing satellite terminals and future 5G-based terminals as they become available.

    “Intelsat and SoftBank share a pioneering vision of ubiquitous networking and seamless interoperability between satellite and terrestrial networks,” said Bruno Fromont, Intelsat Chief Technology Officer. “Until now, the challenge was aligning standards that allowed the two different networks to connect. With recent progress on 5G-based standardization of non-terrestrial networks led by Intelsat at 3GPP and this strategic collaboration with SoftBank, we are ideally positioned to accelerate the design and practical implementation of commercial hybrid services that will allow devices to freely roam between satellite and terrestrial networks.”

    Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President and CTO of SoftBank, emphasized that integrating terrestrial mobile networks with satellite communication through advanced roaming technology could merge these previously separate networks.

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  • 2G network shutdown postponed to October

    2G network shutdown postponed to October

    The Ministry of Information and Communications has deferred the shutdown of 2G networks to Oct. 15, saying over three million users have yet to upgrade their devices.

    The shutdown had been planned for Sept. 15. The ministry pointed out that subscribers need phones that support 3G or newer technologies to continue using telecom services after the shutdown.

    The Vietnam Telecommunications Authority said at a meeting Friday that over five million subscribers have upgraded in the last two months, bringing the number of 2G users down to 3.4 million as of Sept. 8.

    Authorities have been nudging 2G users to make the switch for months, even rolling out policies to help them buy new devices and shutting down networks in some areas.

    But typhoon Yagi has stymied the process, with people and businesses focused totally on coping with its aftermath.

    There is also a shortage of phones, especially budget devices, making the switch difficult for many.

    Pulling the plug on 2G will promote the adoption of 4G, which can help familiarize people with digital and online public services, and free up resources for network providers to focus on developing 5G and 6G technologies.

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  • Washington tries to curb Huawei with eight more license revocations

    Washington tries to curb Huawei with eight more license revocations

    Someone’s been a busy little bee and has revoked eight licenses in 2024 that allowed some companies to export high-tech products to Chinese giant Huawei. This busy little bee is, of course, the Biden administration.

    The latest Reuters report shines a light on the matter and tells the story how Washington managed to cancel a total of eight licenses (so far in 2024) with the goal to increase pressure on the company, which has resurrected with the release of the Mate 60 Pro. You know, this 5G-capable phone shouldn’t have materialized in the first place, but in spite of the US sanctions did so last year.

    Huawei’s smartphone sales surged by 64% year-on-year in the first six weeks of 2024, according to various reports. Huawei’s smart car component business also contributed to its fastest revenue growth in four years in 2023.

    As I’ve said on previous occasions: good luck trying to contain technology. Yes, it may take some time, but, eventually, other companies will figure things out. You simply cannot contain it.

    In 2019, Huawei faced a significant setback. The United States said Huawei phones pose a thread (because of privacy issues) and imposed sanctions on the company. These sanctions restricted American firms from doing business with Huawei, particularly in supplying key technologies and software essential for its smartphones.

    One of the most critical impacts was the loss of access to Google Mobile Services (GMS), which includes popular apps like Gmail, Google Maps, and the Play Store, on Huawei’s new smartphones. This meant that Huawei phones released after the sanctions could no longer come pre-installed with these familiar Google apps, affecting their appeal to international consumers who rely on these services.

    The US government argued that Huawei’s close ties to the Chinese government posed a potential risk of espionage and unauthorized data access, particularly through Huawei’s telecommunications equipment. As a result, the U.S. placed restrictions on American companies supplying Huawei with critical components and technology necessary for building and expanding 5G networks.

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